Falkirk’s Katie knows that even if ‘not first, still winners’

Jill Buchanan

Scriptwriter Katie White’s attitude to awards ceremonies is one that others would do well to adopt.

Nominated in the short film entertainment category at last week’s British Academy Scotland New Talent Awards, the mum-of-two was keeping her fingers crossed for success.

But before going in to the ceremony at The Arches, Glasgow, she told everyone in her party, including those involved in the film, family and friends, that no matter the result, when the winner was announced they had to smile!

She said: “I told them that it was absolutely brilliant that we had made the final – 300 films were originally nominated and we had made it through.

“That was already a success for us and I didn’t want to see any long faces if we didn’t take the BAFTA trophy.”

And she said that’s exactly what happened. Despite being pipped for the award by ‘The Wee ‘Hings’, they all had a great time.

Katie, whose film ‘Middle Man’ was in the running, added: “We had an absolutely fantastic night. My mum, sister and kids were there so it was brilliant to be able to share it with them.

“Muriel Gray was hosting the event and there were lots of people from the Scottish TV and film world there so it was really interesting to meet them.”

She was also delighted that at the red carpet event, people complimented her on her black evening gown and she was able to tell them that it came from Frox of Falkirk. “It was good to be able to show that you can find lots of good things in the town and lots of great things are happening here, not just the Kelpies,” she said.

Currently on holiday from her role as a communication support worker for hearing impaired pupils at Falkirk High, Katie has been kept busy as her latest script is currently under production.

But she still found time to go along to the Tron in Glasgow this week where she ended up speaking to acclaimed Merseyside scriptwriter Jimmy McGovern.